Exciting Changes at Turn of River: A New Chapter Begins

On a lively Tuesday night, the atmosphere at Turn of River Middle School was electric as the new principal, Mark Bonasera, stepped into the spotlight. Just with his introduction, he ignited a wave of enthusiastic applause from parents and attendees. This wasn’t just any ordinary open house—it was the dawn of a new era for a school that faced significant challenges just months prior.

From Challenges to Opportunities

The last school year was a tumultuous one for Turn of River, with reports of teachers facing verbal and physical assaults from students. The situation reached a critical point, prompting a June town hall meeting where concerned parents voiced their frustrations and called for significant changes. Enter Mark Bonasera, fresh from a decade-long tenure as principal at Roxbury Elementary School, ready to make his mark.

In just a few short months, Bonasera has proven himself to be a beacon of hope for both parents and staff. He has implemented a range of changes designed to improve school climate, starting with the formation of a climate committee comprised of dedicated teachers. Additionally, he initiated a parent advisory committee and held discussions with a group of eighth-grade students—dubbed “student ambassadors”—to gather insights on how to foster a more positive environment.

Transformative Initiatives

The summer saw some serious groundwork laid, with teachers and parents collaborating on modifications to the school’s code of conduct and cellphone regulations. These changes were not just about policy; they were about creating a safe, welcoming space for every student. Bonasera even organized a beautification day, turning the school grounds into a more inviting place for students and families alike.

As the school year kicked off, the palpable excitement was evident. “What a vibe in here tonight!” exclaimed Alyssa Bernstein, a parent who had been one of the most vocal critics of the school’s previous leadership. “Welcome to open house night for the new and improved Turn of River Middle School.” Her enthusiasm mirrored that of many others present, showcasing a collective sigh of relief and hope for a brighter future.

A Fresh Start

The changes have not gone unnoticed. Parents are reporting a remarkable shift in the atmosphere within the school. “This year has started off way better than we ended in June,” Bernstein noted. “The kids are happier, the parents are happier, and our amazing teachers are happier.” This positivity marks a stark contrast to the tension and unease that characterized the previous year.

For Tatyana Smalls, the mother of a sixth-grade special education student, the transformation has been a welcome relief. She admits to feeling anxious as the new school year approached, having heard troubling stories from the last year. “Of course we heard what’s going on, which caused our concerns. We reached out to Bonasera and his team for a transitional meeting,” she shared. Fortunately, the school’s administration quickly alleviated her worries. “The administrators have been amazing,” Smalls said, praising Bonasera and the assistant principals for ensuring her son’s experience has been “wonderful.”

“I don’t know when the last time I rested when he went to school was,” she added, a testament to the trust and security that Bonasera's leadership has instilled in parents.

Listening and Responding

The enthusiastic reception Bonasera has received underscores his commitment to listening to the concerns of the community. Bernstein highlighted how refreshing it was to have leadership that genuinely engages with the issues at hand. “It was great to have leadership that listened to the issues we have all brought up and invested in working on them,” she said.

The walls of the Turn of River auditorium, where Bonasera welcomed parents, were adorned with motivational messages crafted by students. One notable poster read, “Be Kind—No Bullying.” Outside, a sign proclaimed, “Kindness is Cool.” These messages reflect a renewed focus on cultivating a supportive and respectful environment among students.

New Regulations, New Attitudes

This year also brought in updated cellphone regulations aimed at minimizing distractions during school hours. Previously, students could use their phones during lunch; now, they are banned during regular school hours unless otherwise directed by the principal. This change was implemented in response to last year’s incidents, including a case where a student threw a phone at a teacher, leading to a police investigation.

The new regulations clearly outline consequences for violations. The first offense results in a verbal and written warning, while a second offense leads to confiscation by security. A third violation means the phone remains at school until the following day. For subsequent violations, students could face suspension.

Matthew Laskowski, the interim associate superintendent for middle schools, reported that since the school year began, staff has confiscated about five to seven phones daily. Despite this, no student has had to surrender their phone at the start of the day—a promising sign that students are adapting to the new rules.

Teacher Support and Collaboration

The staff at Turn of River has warmly welcomed Bonasera’s leadership, showing their support during the open house. Caitlen Sheeran and Nicole Carpenter, two dedicated teachers, expressed their enthusiasm about the positive changes taking place. “It's probably no secret that Turn of River had a little bit of trouble last year,” Carpenter admitted. “We weren’t in the best of places, but we are so thrilled to have Dr. Bonasera and the other administrators with us this year.”

Their sentiments reflect a broader sentiment among the teaching staff—a renewed sense of purpose and optimism as they work alongside Bonasera to foster an environment where both students and educators can thrive.

Looking Ahead

As Turn of River Middle School embarks on this exciting new chapter, the air is thick with optimism. The collaborative efforts of parents, students, and staff, combined with Bonasera's commitment to listening and making meaningful changes, are setting the stage for a remarkable school year.

With just a few weeks into the school year, the improvements are already evident, and everyone is looking forward to building on this momentum. The changes aren’t just policy updates; they signify a community coming together to support one another, paving the way for a brighter future at Turn of River.

In a school that faced such turbulence just months ago, the transformation is nothing short of inspiring. The new principal’s approach, marked by empathy and action, is what every community hopes for in leadership. As parents, teachers, and students unite, they are not just creating a safer environment; they are crafting a vibrant and engaging place for learning—a place where every student can shine.

With all the excitement brewing, it’s clear that Turn of River is ready to embrace its new beginning, and the journey ahead promises to be one of growth, support, and endless possibilities.